Unit 1 Flashcards
Evolutionary Psychology focuses on the traits and behaviors that have been passed down through _____ ______.
natural selection
The principle that inherited traits that better enable an organism to survive and reproduce in a particular environment will most likely be passed on to succeeding generations
natural selection
Our genes along with occasional ______ allow for the alternative possibilities in our ___up
mutation
make
Genes and experience together ___the brain
wire
Our ability to survive and reproduce
fitness
A culturally modeled guide for how to act in various situations
social script
Genes, environment, and our culture all combine to influence our development
biopsychosocial approach
_____ vs ______ asks, are we more affected by our genes or by our experiences
nature vs. nurture
Look at how natural selection favors certain behaviors needed for survival (similarities)
evolutionary psychologists
Study the role played by both our genes and our environment in explaining mental processes (differences)
behavioral geneticists
The genetic transfer of characteristics from parents to offspring
heredity
every nongenetic influence from prenatal nutrition to the people and things around us
environment
The complete instructions for making an organism, contains all the genetic material.
genome
Threadlike structures made of DNA molecules that contain the genes
chromosomes
The biochemical units of heredity that make up the chromosomes–they synthesize proteins
genes
A complex molecule containing the genetic info that makes up the chromosomes
DNA
Refers specifically to the set of genes we are born with
genotype
Refers to the set of traits that are expressed
phenotype
Always expressed if present
dominant genes
Will not be expressed unless they are a pair. Genes can be active or inactive and can be turned on or off
recessive genes
Monozygotic
identical twins
Although identical twins share the same genes, they may not have the same ______of copies of those genes
number
dizygotic
fraternal twins
People who grow up together, whether biologically related or not, do not much ____ each other in personality. Adopted children are more ____ to their biological parents than to their adopted parents
resemble
similar
Our environment ____ our biology as part of the adaptation process
changes
When the effect of one factor (environment) going barefoot depends on another factor (heredity) developing calluses
interplay
The study of environmental influence on gene expression that occurs without a DNA change
epigenetics
the system of nerves and neurotransmitters that are organized throughout the body
Body’s speedy, electrochemical communication network.
It sends and receives messages from the world to the body’s tissues and brain
the brain then makes decisions and sends back information and orders to the body so we can navigate the world
the nervous system
The nervous system is divided into ______ main systems
two
What are the two main nervous systems
central nervous system
peripheral nervous system
What does the central nervous system consist of?
the brain and spinal cord
What does the peripheral nervous system consist of?
The sensory and motor neurons that connect the central nervous system to the rest of the body
Nerves have ____ that form neural cables connecting the CNS with the rest of the body’s muscles, glands and sensory organs
axons
Receptors (eyes, skin) that send signals to the brain: also known as afferent neurons (taken in at the brain)
sensory neurons located in the PNS
Brain signals that are sent to muscles and organs: efferent neurons (E for engine—–___)(Exit the brain)
motor
Sensory neurons are also known as _____ neurons
afferent
Motor neurons are also known as ______ neurons
efferent
What are the two subsystems in the PNS
sympathetic and parasympathetic
what does the sympathetic nervous system do?
emergency response (fight or flight)
Voluntary movements
somatic nervous system
Made up of all the nerves in the brain and spinal cord. Center of body
the central nervous system
The body’s decision maker
enables our humanity, our thinking, feeling and acting
86 billion neurons
made up of grey and white matter
the brain
Neurons cluster together in neutral _______.
networks
2 way information highway
bundles of interneurons (relay connectors)
The Spinal Cord
It connects the Peripheral Nervous System to the brain and the brain to the PNS
Spinal cord
It governs our reflexes. A simple automatic response of sensory stimulus such as a knee-jerk reflex.
spinal cord
Everything Psychological is ________ and everything biological is _________
biological
psychological
The Nervous System is how our _____ communicates with our ________ and how our body communicates with our brain
brain
body
Two common types of neutral cells in the brain are
neurons
glial cells
A nerve cell, basic building blocks of the nervous system. Information processing units that send and receive electrochemical signals
Neurons
Cells that support, nourish and protect neurons. They also play a role in learning, thinking, and memory. Neutral Nannies!
Glial Cells
A neuron is a nerve _____: The basic building blocks of a nervous system
cell
what are the three tasks that a neuron performs
receives information
Carries information
Passes information to the next neuron
the branching extensions of a neuron that receive information and conduct impulses toward the cell body (_____)
dendrite
soma
The ____ _______ maintains the health of a the neuron, takes in nutrients into energy
cell body
Like the remote control center of the cell. Acts as the cell’s brain by telling it what to do, how to grow, and when to reproduce
nucleus
the extension of a neuron through which neural impulses are sent
axon
Cover the axon of some neurons and helps speed neural impulses
myelin sheath
are branch like connections at the end of the axon that form connections with other cells and passes the message to other neurons
terminal branches
The chemical substances which are responsible for transmission of an impulse through a synapse
neurotransmitters
Signals from neurotransmitters can be either _______ or _______
exitatory
inhibitory
exitatory
generating action potential
Inhibitory
reducing or preventing impulses
When a neurotransmitter is finished it is released back into the ______ and sometimes reabsorbed into the original neuron known as ________
synapse
reuptake
the tiny, fluid-filled gap between the axon terminal of one neuron and the dendrite of another
synapse
A neural impulse, a brief electrical charge that travels from the dendrites down the axon of a neuron to the axon terminals
action potential
The recharging phase during which a neuron after firing cannot generate another action potential.
Refractory period
Once the refractory period is complete the ____can fire again
neuron
The state of a neuron when it is at rest and capable of generating an action potential, ready to fire
resting potential
What principle states that if a neuron fires, then it always fires at the same intensity; all action potentials have the same strength
all fire at 100%
all-or-none principle
What are the chemicals that act as neurotransmitters
agonists and antagonists
Activates receptors by mimicking neurotransmitters, block reuptake or increase production
agonists
Chemicals that block receptors sites and decrease and inhibit production
antagonists
Made up of glands that secrete chemical messengers (hormones) to communicate and influence interest in sex, food, aggression, growth, metabolism, etc.
The endocrine system
Traveling through the ______, hormones are______ than neurotransmitters, but tend to be longer-______
bloodstream
slower
lasting
what gland Activates other glands
pituitary
what gland controls Cortisol (stress)
Adrenal
Which hormones increase heart rate-fight or flight
adrenaline
Which hormone helps with social support or bonding
oxytocin
Stress hormone that increases blood sugar
cortisol
Chemical substances that alter the brain causing changes in perceptions, mood, and/or behavior
Psychoactive Drugs
Brain chemistry is altered by psychoactive drugs by affecting synapses and neurotransmitters in what 3 ways
Binding with receptors (agonists)
Blocking receptor sites (antagonists)
Or by blocking the reuptake of neurotransmitters
An everyday term for compulsive disorder that continue despite harmful consequences
addiction
A disorder characterized by continued substance craving and use despite significant life disruption and/or physical risk
Substance Use Disorder
What are the three main effect of Substance abuse disorder
diminished control
Diminished Social functioning
Hazardous Use
When the brain increases our decreases neurotransmitter production in response to drugs
neuroadaptation
When user is compelled to use drug despite known consequences
tolerance
Reversing neuroadaptation by discontinuing a drug.
withdrawal
What are the three categories of drugs
depressants, stimulants, and hallocinogens
Suppresses neural activity and slows body functions
depressant
What are alcohol, barbiturates, and opiates examples of
depressants
a disinhibitor, impairs judgement and reduces self-awareness affects prefrontal cortex
intensifies inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA and acts as a antagonist for glutamate intensifying the sluggish slowed effects. Disrupts memory formation and REM sleep
depressants
Depress nervous system activity can ease anxiety or insomnia, also impairs memory
barbiturates (tranquilizers)
Pain reducers with abuse the brain stops producing endorphins. Leads to intense withdrawal
examples: morphine, oxycontin, codeine and heroin
opiates or narcotics
Abuses Autonomic Nervous System
Speeds up body function, excites neural activity, and increases self-confidence
Blocks reuptake of dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine.
Illegal: Ecstasy, meth, cocaine
legal: Prescription amphetamines (Adderall) caffeine and nicotine
stimulants
Sensory distorion can be natural or synthetic
Chronic use disrupts memory, attention, and learning ability
LSD
Marajuana
hallucinogens (psychedelics)
Seizures, brain injury, sensory deprivation, stess, intense fever, and even extreme grief or depression and near-death experiences
neurological distubances
Who identified that the brian has different sections
franz gall
scientific study of links between Biological and psychological processes
biological psychology
The integrated approach or perspective that incorporates biological, psychological, and social-cultural levels of analysis
biopsychosocial approach
The brain’s ability to change especially during childhood by reorganizing after damage or by building new pathways based on experience
neuroplasticity
the formation of new neurons
neurogenesis
Naturally or experimentally destroying tissue of brain
lesions
traces brain activity through electrodes on the scalp
Brains electrical function
Used for sleep studies, depression, anxiety
Stimulates the frontal lobe
EEG
Series of x-rays taken at different angles then combines as computer images
Shows brain damage, tumors, structural issues
CAT of CT
Measures metabolic activity in the brain regions (with radioactive glucose)–finds hot spots when doing a task. Shows function
PET scan
Measures magnetic fields from brain electricity
Head coil
How tasks influence brain activity
Shows function
MEG
Using magnetic fields and radio waves shows soft tissue and anatomy
More detail than CT scan
Shows structure or brain anatomy
MRI
Uses blood flow to show motion (function)
Shows function and structure
What lights up during specific tasks or thoughts
Compares successive MRI scans
fMRI
Consists of the Medulla, pons and the cerebellum. Directs essential survival functions, such as breathing, sleeping, and wakefulness, as well as coordination and balance
The brain stem or hindbrain
Controls autonomic function (heart rate, breathing, reflexes)
medulla Oblongata
wearing a medal over your heart
Regulates sleep cycles
A relay station from the brainstem to the cerebellum
pons
Is responsible for attention and arousal–works with pons to wake you up
reticular formation
Controls movements, coordination, posture, and balance
cerebellum
ringing a bell to celebrate movement
Forebrain, sensory relay center. Relay station for the senses
sits on top of brainstem. Sends sensory signals to the various lobes. Also relays from the cerebral cortex to the cerebellum and medulla
T for traffic officer
thalamus
What does the Limbic system consist of?
Amygdala
Hippocampus
Hypothalamus
Pituitary gland
HAPH
Found atop the brainstem. Connects the hindbrain with the forebrain controls some motor movement, and transmits auditory and visual info
midbrain
Consists of the cerebral cortex, thalamus, and hypothalamus.
Manages complex cognitive activities, sensory and associative functions, and voluntary motor activites
forebrain
Above the brainstem, associated with emotions and drive and memory
limbic system
processes fear and aggression. Two lima bean sized neural clusters. Active during threatening situations. Damage leads to a flat affect or little emotion
amygdala
Used for memory formation and learning. Vital for explicit memory facts and events. Like a save button for forming memories
hippocampus
Helps keep us in balance
hypothalamus
Outer layer-made up of grey matter
interconnected neural cells covering hemispheres
ultimate control and information processing center
cerebral cortex
Made up of Cerebral hemispheres come as a pair
Makes up 85% of the weight of the brain (largest part)
Form specialized work teams to enable perceiving, thinking and speaking.
Higher cognitive processes
Also includes the motor cortex and somatosensory cortex
cerebrum
What are the 4 lobes
frontal
parietal
occipital
temporal
located directly behind the forehead
the command center in charge of decision making, planning, personality, judgement, and social awareness
Sometimes called the executive lobe
Also responsible for speaking and movement. Contains 20-23 billion of the brain neurons. Includes motor cortex and controls voluntary movements
Frontal lobe
Behind frontal lobe, on top of head
processes touch, pressure, temperature, and pain. Somatosensory cortex receives input for touch and movement. It has been mapped to show where specific signals are received
parietal
Located at the very back of each hemisphere
Processes visual signals
Helps recognize lines, angles, shapes, shadows and even movement
Occipital
Areas of cerebral cortex not involved in primary motor and sensory functions. Involved in higher mental functions (interpreting, integrating info, and acting on sensory info and links stored memories. Found in all four lobes
associations areas
His damaged frontal lobe affected his personality
phineas gage
Communication among distinct brain areas and neural networks
functional connectivity
Complex functions do not reside in any _____ place
Many areas of the brain are active at the same time
single
Large band of neural fibers connecting the 2 hemispheres carries messages from 1 hemisphere to the other
corpus collosum
Each hemisphere performs different functions
lateralization or specialization
A surgical procedure that separates the brain’s 2 hemispheres by cutting the corpus callosum, usually because of seizures
split brain
The left hemisphere of the brain controls the ____ side of the body and vice versa
right
Left frontal lobe. Helps produce speech
broca’s area
Left temporal lobe. Helps us comprehend and understand language
Wernicke’s Area
Speaking and language
math calculations
analytic things
logic
making literal interpretations
controlling the right side of the body
receives sensory input from the right side of the body
left hemisphere
Perceptual tasks
music
Art
making inferences
modulating speech
visual perception–spatial awareness
recognition emotion
controlling the left side of the body
sensory input from left side
Right hemisphere
Humans are _____ left-brained or right-braines. We use our____ brain to perform countless activities in an integrated manner (functional connectivity
not
entire
Muscle action, learning, memory
deterioration causes Alzheimer’s disease and paralysis
Acetylcholine (ACh)
Movement, learning, attention, emotion–released while eating and sex
Excess leads to schizophrenia
deficient leads to Parkinson’s
dopamine
Mood hunger sleep arousal
Undersupply lead to depression
Antidepressants work to increase this hormone
serotonin
Controls alertness and arousal
Undersupply: depression
Epinephrine: Adrenaline
Norepinephrine
Inhibitory–slows us down
Undersuplly linked to tremors, seizures, insomnia
GABA
Excitatory–also memory
Oversupply can overstimulate, migraines or seizures
Glutamate
Perception of Pain and Pleasure control during stress
Oversupply with opiate drug–suppress natural supply
Associated with disorders like OCD
Endorphin
